Hematology

At the Division of Hematology at Montefiore Medical Center, our internationally recognized hematologists and multidisciplinary experts offer the highest quality care and management of a broad spectrum of blood disorders including: all types of anemias, white cell disorders (leukopenia, leukocytosis), stem cell disorders (including myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative disorders such as polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytosis and myelofibrosis), platelet problems, thrombosis, hemorrhagic disorders and chronic leukemias including chronic myeloid and lymphocytic leukemias.

Approximately 6,500 patients ranging from young adults to geriatrics come to us each year from all across the nation as well as the New York metropolitan area for consultations, advanced diagnostics and treatments, and highest quality continued care. We are renowned for our expertise in thrombosis and in sickle cell anemia; our division offers coordinated services designed specifically for patients with these disorders.

A Distinguished Division

Montefiore Medical Center has been at the forefront of prevention and treatment programs for various blood disorders, and has one of the largest thrombosis prevention treatment programs and one of the largest sickle cell clinics in the nation. The following are a few highlights of our division:

• Sickle Cell Program
  3400 Bainbridge Avenue, 2nd Floor, Bronx, NY 10467
  Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine have had a long history of dedication to the care of our patients with Hemoglobin Disorders in general and Sickle Cell Anemia in particular. Our Sickle Cell Program consists of several ambulatory clinics specifically created for these patients as well as a personalized arrangement for directed care in the Emergency Room.  Our mission is oriented to improving the current and future treatment of these disorders through cutting edge research and up to date understanding of the latest in clinical advances. Patients with Sickle Cell Disease may schedule appointments with the Montefiore Sickle Cell Clinic by calling 914-377-8690.
• Thrombosis Prevention Treatment Program
  The Thrombosis Prevention Treatment Program deals with bridging patients for anticoagulation so they may leave the hospital sooner than expected with expert, close follow-up and be regulated on an outpatient basis. Thrombosis is the formation of a clot inside the blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system. Our team interacts with vascular surgeons, cardiologists, neurologists, and obstetricians/gynecologists to treat all types of thrombosis. Patients travel great distances to benefit from the expertise provided by this innovative program. Patients may schedule appointments with the Thrombosis Prevention Treatment Program by calling 718-920-6310.
• Chronic Anticoagulation Program
  Similarly, our Chronic Anticoagulation Program treats patients for deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, atrial fibrillation, and hypercoagulable states. This program is one of the largest in the country, drawing approximately 3,000 visits each year in addition to those in our Thrombosis Prevention Treatment Program. Patients may schedule appointments with the Chronic Anticoagulation Program by calling 718-920-6310.
  

Strides in Research

Hematology is a primary link between basic science research and clinical delivery of the best possible care. Our award-winning hematologists understand that groundbreaking investigations can translate to a better quality of life for those with blood disorders, which is why they are diligently studying and conducting trials pertaining to several areas of this medical field. Currently our division is participating in a multi-center clinical study of the correlation of pulmonary hypertension and sickle cell disease with the quest to develop improved pharmacological agents and effective therapies.

Montefiore Medical Center was also one of the first contributors to epigenetics, the study of genetic factors that may affect heritable defects, such as high hemoglobin concentrations (the protein in the red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body). We continue to investigate the multifaceted aspects of sickle cell disease through genetic mapping and research.

We are also studying the efficacy of bridging therapy to provide optimum management for patients with contradictions to anticoagulation or DVT.

Additionally, our hematology/oncology combination fellowship program is one of the largest in the nation. Fellows receive extensive experience in diagnostic and management of a wide variety of hematological disorders and conditions. They participate in laboratory research and gain valuable clinical experience. We also work closely with the New York Blood Center, where we train and teach fellows as well as send some of ours for clinical training, so we may stay at the forefront of helping those afflicted with blood diseases to obtain the best possible treatments and therapies.

Our Hematology Practice Faculty

To make an appointment with an individual hematologist:

• Henny Billett, MD
  Professor of Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine
  Professor of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology
  718-405-8323/718-920-6310
• Lawrence Cytryn, MD
  Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine
  866-633-8255/718-920-4137
• Ellen Friedman, MD
  Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine
  866-633-8255/718-920-4137
• Simeon Pollack, MD
  Professor, Department of Medicine
  866-633-8255/718-920-4137
• Michael B. Stemerman, MD
  Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine
  718-405-8323

For more information about the Division of Hematology:

• Research Faculty
• Research Training

© 2010 Montefiore Medical Center